19 Questions With Dana Ward
by The Candidly Team
This article is part of our series called "People We Like," in which we highlight interesting women, across all walks of life.
Leaders, great cooks, doctors, parents, writers; people who inspire us.
Today, we’re featuring Dana Ward, founder and president of Barefoot Scientist, a foot care line of thoughtful, scientifically-backed products made specifically for our tired, aching, blister-prone feet. They even have a product just for wearing heels. Finally.
The Candidly Questionnaire
1. What’s an overrated value you don’t buy into?
It’s more of an aphorism: fake it til you make it.
2. How do you feel about cilantro?
Love it. 23andMe agrees with this predisposition.
3. Are essential oils anything?
When not wrapped up in a MLM, they’re fantastic. Santal is my favorite for #SpaDana.
4. What's the most effective beauty trick you use?
An eyelash curler can move mountains.
5. How do you get your self-esteem?
“I got it from my mama.” Truly. My mom has always said that the greatest gift she thinks a parent can give their child is self-confidence, and she worked hard to give that to my siblings and me. I’m grateful.
6. What meal can you make the hell out of?
Huevos Rancheros.
7. What’s your favorite item of clothing you own?
I was about to type out something completely bougie that was equal parts discovery and splurge, but then I looked down to what I’m currently wearing and THIS IS IT. The Space X sweatshirt that belonged to my best friend, Tat. She passed away in August 2020. I miss her so, so much and it brings me happiness when I wear it.
8. How do you handle conflict in your closest relationships?
For me, patience, honesty that is not meant to hurt, and calm communication is the goal for sorting through conflict.
9. What’s your most compelling quality?
I’m a kind human who wants to help others feel happy.
10. What Insta account speaks to you deeply?
The performance video posts from @marcrebillet are magical. Also, I’d like to move into every home featured on @vogueliving. Oh, and @yankodesign is a reminder that there are people who are creating very cool things in the world.
11. What’s something you’ve changed your mind about in the last year?
I used to feel guilty not finishing a book. Now I give every book a solid chance, but if it isn’t speaking to me, I’ll move on to the next one; life is short and we shouldn’t waste our time on unnecessary things.
12. Who is someone in your field of work that you admire?
There are some many people who are building things that I admire. Someone who I regularly think, “HOW does she do all of this (and so well)?” is Chriselle Lim.
13. What quote or phrase has stayed with you?
Eliminate the negativism. If something or someone makes you feel terrible, nix it asap whenever possible.
14. What’s your favorite movie from the last ten years?
Choosing a single favorite is always challenging…but Interstellar, The Lobster, Tenet are all standout films that come to mind. I’m going with Midnight in Paris.
15. What’s the most delicious bite of food you’ve ever had?
The first time I tried the butterscotch budino at Pizzeria Mozza.
16. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about yourself as a leader?
I find displeasure in conflict and don’t like calling out mistakes, but in order for us to all be as effective and efficient as possible in our common goals, sometimes uncomfortable notes or discussions are necessary.
17. Is social media ruining our brains?
For most of us, yes; social media is reactionary (scroll, scroll, scroll) and it’s stealing our time from other activities, building hobbies, connecting with humans, etc. I think we’d be in a better place if we all took the time to replace some garbage account follows with better* accounts and also used social media to proactively seek out information more frequently.
*Better is in the eye of the beholder, but it could be defined as content from thought leaders, funny people/brands, balanced/trustworthy sources as well inspiring/emotional ideas, education/skill learning, health/wellness reminders, etc.
18. Describe your actual bedtime routine.
I should note that I take the bedtime routine very seriously as a moment of self care; the steps involved are very relaxing to me, especially during this time of insanity for the world. I always brush my teeth and wash my face with a gentle foaming cleanser. And before getting Lasik on my eyes, I always took out my contacts. For nights when I don’t pass out on the couch, you’ll find me doing a full facial care ritual that almost always involves some hyaluronic acid, tranexamic acid (or another ingredient that helps with hyperpigmentation), barrier cream, eye cream, moisturizing lip balm…and, of course, foot care from my brand Barefoot Scientist.
I target my nails (on fingers and toes) with Inner Strength renewal drops–I sourced an incredible proprietary celery seed extract for this formulation and the blend nourishes like no other nail oil.
Then I shake and spray magnesium sleep spray on the soles of my feet for a daily dose of calm…quickly followed by a quick foot massage using High Dive intensive hydration cream.
I pop on my Oura ring for sleep tracking, put down the black out shades and count backwards from 100 when my brain won’t slow down with all of the things I need and want to do the next morning.
19. What’s your relationship with bangs?
I absolutely love them on other people, but I’ve never had them myself…so they terrify me.
What is your single favorite:
Wellness product that *actually* works: Dream State magnesium sleep spray.
Lip balm: Sara Happ The Dream Slip or Laneige lip mask.
Jeans brand: L’Agence.
Mascara: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes.
Sweats: My friend’s new brand called Sweets Los Angeles.
Effective “lady” product: Alleyoop body cleansing cloths.
Last minute gift: A pizza stone.
Bra: None. #freedom.
Shampoo: Briogeo superfoods—the yellow one smells like vacation in a bottle.
Comfortable shoes: Veja sneakers.
Splurge skincare: Biopelle ampoules.
Drugstore skincare: Heritage Store rosewater spray.
Everyday bag: Celine Trio bag.
Guilty-pleasure TV show: You.
Drink: Mezcal with soda and a splash of grapefruit juice.
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We have to eat.
